Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran: 1 (1)

Open Access Article

1 - The Pattern of Linkage Disequilibrium in Livestock Genome
م. نصرتی

Linkage disequilibrium (LD) is bases of genomic selection, genomic marker imputation, marker assisted selection (MAS), quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, parentage testing and whole genome association studies. The Particular alleles at closed loci have a tendency to More

Linkage disequilibrium (LD) is bases of genomic selection, genomic marker imputation, marker assisted selection (MAS), quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, parentage testing and whole genome association studies. The Particular alleles at closed loci have a tendency to be co-inherited. In linked loci this pattern leads to association between alleles in population which is known as LD. Two metric parameter Dˊ and r2 were suggested for measuring the extent of LD in population. D' are more influenced by variation in allele frequencies than r2. Until recently all research on LD was carried out by microsatellite, which reported high level of Dˊ in wide extent. As progressing on large scale genomes sequencing a huge number of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) were detected on genome and microsatellite replaced by SNP in such researches. By using SNP, high level of LD in short distance has been reported. Many factors can affect LD such as selection, migration, genetic drift, mutation, small finite population size and recombination. So, LD is basic tools for exploring the genetic basis of quantitative traits in livestock. Likewise, comparative LD maps make a capable us to examine the degree of diversity between breeds and to discover genomic regions that have been subject to selection. Therefore, this review states concept and current approach to estimating LD and extent of LD in livestock population. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

2 - In vitro Assessment of the Effect of Plant Extracts on Digestibility, Estimated Energy Value, Microbial Mass and Rumen Fermentation Kinetics
و. ناصری ف. کفیل زاده ح. جهانی عزیزآبادی

Three ethanol extracts, chamomile (CHA), clove (CLO) and tarragon (TAR), were tested at five doses (0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 µL/L) to determine their effects on in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), metabolizable energy (ME), net energy of lactation (NEL More

Three ethanol extracts, chamomile (CHA), clove (CLO) and tarragon (TAR), were tested at five doses (0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 µL/L) to determine their effects on in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), metabolizable energy (ME), net energy of lactation (NEL), short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), microbial mass (MM) and rumen fermentation kinetics of a 40:60 forage: concentrate diet using in vitro gas production. These three extracts had significant effects on gas production kinetics. CHA (at 500 µL/L dose) and CLO (at 1000 µL/L dose) decreased (P<0.05) potential gas production. The initial gas production rate constants (c) was increased (P<0.05). However, CHA, CLO and TAR ethanol decreased (P<0.05) later gas production rate constants (d). Lag time (h) was decreased (P<0.05) due to addition of CHA and TAR ethanol (at 750 µL/L dose), and CLO (at 500 and 1000 µL/L doses). TAR and CLO ethanol did not affect fermentation rate (h-1), but CHA at 1000 µL/L increased it. The TAR and CLO ethanol did not affect IVOMD, ME, NEL, SCFA and microbial mass. However, organic matter digestibility, ME, NEL, SCFA and microbial mass were increased by addition of CHA ethanol at 750 and 1000 µL/L doses. Results suggest that CHA, CLO and TAR ethanol extracts at appropriate doses may have potential to improve the rumen fermentation kinetics and nutritive value of ruminant diets due to secondary metabolites contents. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

3 - Ruminal Kinetics of Nutrients Degradation, Hydration, and Functional Specific Gravity of Three Types of Beet Pulp
ا. تیموری یانسری

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the relationships between nutrients degradability, kinetics of hydration, functional specific gravity (FSG) of the three types of beet pulp (BP) including fine (FBP), normal (NBP) and pelleted (PBP) BP. In experiment 1, about 3 More

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the relationships between nutrients degradability, kinetics of hydration, functional specific gravity (FSG) of the three types of beet pulp (BP) including fine (FBP), normal (NBP) and pelleted (PBP) BP. In experiment 1, about 3 g of samples was weighed in sealed nylon bags (6 cm×7.5 cm, 40±5 µm pore size), incubated in rumen of two cannulated Holstein steers at 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36 and 48 h. The dry matter (DM) degradation was different among the treatments for soluble, slowly and potentially degradable fractions, rate of degradation, and effective degradability. In experiment 2, after ruminal incubation of two bags at 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36 and 48 h, the bags were removed without and with washing, the kinetic of hydration, functional specific gravity (FSG) measured with pycnometer. Hydration rate and water holding capacity (WHC) were different. Grinding and pelleting decreased hydration rate and WHC of BP, but increased initial and final FSG over incubation time. Soluble, slowly degradable, and indigestible fraction of DM explained 82.4, 94.8, 2.7, 54.2, 87.3 and 79.7%; 34.1, 50.0, 2.2, 31.4, 62.2 and 63.4%; and 89.1, 12.2, 68.0, 84.7 and 92.9% of the total variation of the fractional rate of degradation, effective degradability, hydration rate, WHC, initial and final FSG, respectively. In addition, the correlations between digestion and hydration parameters were high. As BP has lower than critical size, can easily pass from the reticulorumen orifice, therefore, its FSG is more important to control ruminal retention time and degradation. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

4 - Economic Value and Produced Milk Quality in Holstein Lactating Cows in Organic System
م. شریفی ر. پهلوان ع. آقایی

In the past decade, a global demand for products from organic agriculture has increased rapidly. Milk quality is of major interest for all parties. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare cow performance and product quality in conventional and organic syst More

In the past decade, a global demand for products from organic agriculture has increased rapidly. Milk quality is of major interest for all parties. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare cow performance and product quality in conventional and organic system. Twenty Holstein dairy cows were allotted to one of 2 diet groups, which including: a conventional diet (CON), and an organic system with high forage (OHF). Multiparous cows (3rd and 4th parity) were randomly assigned to the treatments. Range forages were used as part of diets and cows were offered concentrate and silage two times a day. Dry matter intake (DMI) and milk yield were measured across 200 d. Furthermore, somatic cell count, feed cost and feed efficiency were determined at 20 day intervals. The milk yield was different for cows that treated with the OHF (22.5 kg/d) and CON (28.9 kg/d) systems, respectively. Body weights were not affected by treatments; however, differences in body condition scores (P<0.05) were observed. Although energy corrected milk, milk urea nitrogen, cortisol and β-hydroxybutyrate acid were higher in cows fed CON system; milk fat, phytanic acid, hippuric acid and profit to cost ratio were higher (P<0.05) in cows fed organic system. Additionally, lower feed efficiency, feed cost and blood urea nitrogen were observed in cows fed organic diets (P<0.05). Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

5 - Phenotypic and Genetic Analysis of Lori-Bakhtiari Lamb's Longevity Up to Yearling Age for Autosomal and Sex-Linked Chromosomes
آ. سالمی م. وطن خواه ب. اسدی

The data set used in this study contained 8793 records of lamb's longevity (days) from 320 sires and 2349 dams collected during 1989 to 2014, from the Lori-Bakhtiari flock at Shooli station in Shahrekord, Iran. Genetic parameters (partitioned into autosomal, sex-linked More

The data set used in this study contained 8793 records of lamb's longevity (days) from 320 sires and 2349 dams collected during 1989 to 2014, from the Lori-Bakhtiari flock at Shooli station in Shahrekord, Iran. Genetic parameters (partitioned into autosomal, sex-linked and maternal) and breeding values of cumulative lamb's longevity from birth up to yearling age (at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months) were estimated using restricted maximum likelihood procedure. The results showed that the overall mean of the cumulative longevity of lamb up to yearling (12 months of age) was 295.87 days. The effect of fixed factors; year and month of birth, sex of lamb, age of dam, lamb birth weight as quadratic covariate and dam body weight as linear covariate were significant (P<0.05) on lamb's longevity. The heritability estimates of lamb's longevity were low and ranged from 0.01 to 0.08 for autosomal, 0.01 for sex-linked and 0.02 to 0.03 for maternal additive genetic effects. The estimates of autosomal, sex-linked and maternal genetic correlations of lamb's longevity in different ages were high. The pearson and spearman correlation coefficients between autosomal breeding values and sex-linked breeding values in lamb's longevity at different ages were 0.15 to 0.46 and 0.11 to 0.43 respectively. Thus, lamb's longevity up to yearling can be improved by farm management practices and improving environmental factors at first. Genetic analysis using linear models which able to estimate breeding values in direct (autosomal and sex-linked chromosomes separately) and maternal effects, could be more effective to improve longevity in lambs. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

6 - Evaluation of Morphometric and Reproductive Traits of Indigenous Dairy Goat Types in North Western Amhara, Ethiopia
ک. آلمایهو د. کبد

The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphometric and reproductive traits of indigenous dairy goat types. It was conducted in three districts (Ebnat, Gonji-kolela and Farta) based on the agro-ecological differences, goat population potentials and experience o More

The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphometric and reproductive traits of indigenous dairy goat types. It was conducted in three districts (Ebnat, Gonji-kolela and Farta) based on the agro-ecological differences, goat population potentials and experience of the farmers using goat milk. Semi-structured questionnaires, field observations, morphological and reproductive trait measurements were used. The results revealed that the average age at sexual maturity of male in Farta district, (Mean±SE) was 7.04 ± 0.41 months. However, age at first service of male goats was longer in Gonji kolela (9.84±0.95) and Ebnat (11.54±1.28) districts. The average body length (BL) for dairy, dual and meat type goats were 59.65 ± 0.58, 54.87 ± 0.69 and 55.52 ± 0.74 cm. The mean rear udder length, udder circumference and teat length were 17.14 ± 0.28, 31.39 ± 0.59 and 3.71 ± 0.07 cm, 14.21 ± 0.48, 26.75 ± 1.01 and 3.41 ± 0.12 cm and 13.44 ± 0.38, 24.67 ± 0.81 and 3.01 ± 0.09 cm, respectively. Whereas, the mean rear udder diameter for dairy, dual and meat types for female goats were 10.04 ± 0.22, 8.66 ± 0.37 and 8.01 ± 0.30 cm, respectively. Dairy type female goats had significantly higher (P<0.001) values for all udder and teat measurements than dual and meat type female goats. In conclusion, goat breeding and reproduction was not identified as dairy, meat and dual purpose types and there is no specialized dairy goat breeding, reproduction with corresponding production system. Therefore, evaluation of morphometric and reproductive traits of indigenous dairy type goats with specialized and intensive production system are crucial to increase the milk production and productivity. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

7 - Effect of Essential Oils of Zataria multiflora, Eucalyptus globolus and Their Combination on Fermentation Parameters Using Merghoz Goat Rumen Liquor
س. میرزایی چشمه‌گچی م.م. معینی ف. هژبری م.ا. نوریان سرور

In this experiment, different doses of Zataria multiflora (ZM) and Eucalyptus globolus (EG) essential oils (EOs) (0, 100, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 µg/mL) and a mixture of them were added to alfalfa hay incubated with buffered rumen liquor of Merghoz goat to assess i More

In this experiment, different doses of Zataria multiflora (ZM) and Eucalyptus globolus (EG) essential oils (EOs) (0, 100, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 µg/mL) and a mixture of them were added to alfalfa hay incubated with buffered rumen liquor of Merghoz goat to assess in vitro gas production, rumen fermentation and protozoa population. In all treatments the asymptotic gas volume (B) and the rate constant (c) were decreased while the lag phase was increased. There were no effects of ZM and EG on pH, but in high doses of ZE pH was higher than that of control (P<0.001). The ammonia-N concentration was decreased due to addition of combination of EOs (P<0.01) and volatile fatty acid concentration was reduced (P<0.01) following incorporation of EOs. Gas production and organic matter digestibility were decreased (P<0.01) 24 h after incubation, whereas the partitioning factor was increased. Metabolizable energy was decreased, (P<0.05). By inclusion of EOs, total protozoa population and individual genera reduced (P<0.001). The results revealed that EOs of ZM and EG could be potentially used to modulate rumen fermentation, but using them at high level doses have anti-protozoal effects. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

8 - Effects of Two Sources of Tannins on Performance, Nitrogen Utilization and Efficiency of Microbial Nitrogen Synthesis in Dairy Goats
ا. مختارپور ع.ع. ناصریان ف. پورملایی س. صفا

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of tannic acid (TA) and pistachio by-product tannin extract (PBE) on N utilization and efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis (EMNS) in Saanen dairy goats. The experimental design was a change over design with three More

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of tannic acid (TA) and pistachio by-product tannin extract (PBE) on N utilization and efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis (EMNS) in Saanen dairy goats. The experimental design was a change over design with three treatments and three periods using six mid lactation multiparous dairy goats. Tannic acid solution and PBE were added to fresh alfalfa at ensiling to get the final concentration of about 1% tannin as dry matter (DM) basis. Dietary treatments were as follows: 1) untreated alfalfa silage (AS), 2) AS treated with TA (AS+TA) and 3) AS treated with PBE (AS+PBE). Intake of DM, organic matter (OM) and N and also milk yield and composition (as percent or as g/d) were not affected by tannin additions. A considerable shift occurred in the pattern of N excretion in goats fed PBE diet compared to control silage diet. Urinary N losses had a tendency (P<0.10) to lower (17.4 vs. 19.2 g/d) and fecal N losses was higher for goats fed AS + PBE compared with those fed the AS silage diet (14.6 vs. 12.6 g/d). As a proportion of N intake or as g N loss per d, retained N was higher (P<0.05) in goats fed AS + PBE compared to those fed the control diet. Microbial nitrogen synthesis (MN) was not affected by tannin additions. However, a trend (P<0.10) for less efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis (EMN) was observed in tannin fed goats compared to those fed the control diet. Although, tannins added to AS may exert some beneficial effects on N utilization and also environmental N outputs, they may interfere with rumen fermentation lead to decrease in EMN in goats especially those fed with PBE. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

9 - Association between MTNR1A and CYP19 Genes Polymorphisms and Economic Traits in Kurdi Sheep
ز. داوری ورانلو س. حسنی م. آهنی آذری ف. صمدی س. زکی‌زاده ع.ر. خان احمدی

The ovine melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) and aromatase (CYP19) genes were structurally characterized and the association between their variants and reproductive and growth traits was studied in Kurdi sheep at Kurdi sheep breeding station located in Shirvan, Iran. The ge More

The ovine melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) and aromatase (CYP19) genes were structurally characterized and the association between their variants and reproductive and growth traits was studied in Kurdi sheep at Kurdi sheep breeding station located in Shirvan, Iran. The genomic DNA was extracted by guanidine thiocyanate-silica gel method. Polymerase chain reaction was carried out to amplify 824 bp fragment of exon 2 of MTNR1A and 140 bp fragment of the exon 3 of the ovine CYP19 genes. The PCR products were digested with restriction endonucleases RsaI for MTNR1A and BstMBI for CYP19 genes and checked by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for the presence of restriction sites. Two alleles were found for all the loci investigated, which were named as A and B for CYP19, and R and r for MTRN1A. Allelic frequencies for MTRN1A were 0.49 and 0.51 for R and r alleles, while in the case of CYP19 gene, frequencies were 0.475 and 0.525for A and B alleles, respectively. Association analysis did not show any significant relations between MTNR1A gene polymorphisms and litter size (LS), age at first lambing (AFL) and lambing interval (LI). Moreover, CYP19 gene polymorphism did not affect birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), 6, 9 and 12 months (YW) body weights, age at first lambing (AFL) and lambing interval (LI). Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

10 - The Effects of Different Levels of Canola Oil and Diet Mixing Time Length on Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Blood Lipids of Broilers
ع. عبدی ع. نوبخت

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of canola oil and diet mixing time length on performance, carcass traits and blood lipids in broilers. In this experiment 288 Ross-308 broilers were used from 11 up to 42 days as factorial arra More

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of canola oil and diet mixing time length on performance, carcass traits and blood lipids in broilers. In this experiment 288 Ross-308 broilers were used from 11 up to 42 days as factorial arrangement (3×2) included three levels of canola oil (0, 3 and 6%) and two mixing time length (10 and 15 minute) in 6 treatments, 4 replicates and 12 birds in each replicate in a completely randomized design. Canola oil improved the performance of broilers (P<0.01). The highest values of daily weight gain, daily feed intake and final body weight were obtained using 6% of canola oil in diets. Mixing diet more than 10 minute, reduced the amounts of daily weight gain and final weight (P<0.05). In interaction between oil level and mixing time length, 6% canola oil × diet mixing for 10 minute, improved the performance of broilers (P<0.05). Dietary level of 6% canola oil increased the spleen percentage (P<0.05). Canola oil had reducing effect on the level of blood cholesterol (P<0.05). The lowest level of blood cholesterol was observed in group supplemented with 3% canola oil. Mixing diet more than 10 minute, increased the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in blood (P<0.05). In interaction effect, the lowest level of blood cholesterol was seen in 6% canola oil × mixed for 10 minute group. The overall conclusion is that using 6% canola oil and 10 minute mixing time for boiler diets could significantly improve the performance, and reduce their blood cholesterol. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

11 - Comparison of Different Selenium Sources and Vitamin E in Laying Hen Diet and Their Influences on Egg Selenium and Cholesterol Content, Quality and Oxidative Stability
ف. اسدی ف. شریعتمداری م.ا. کریمی ترشیزی م. محیطی اصلی م. قناعت پرست رشتی

An experiment was carried out to compare the effects of laying hen’s diet supplemented with inorganic and different organic sources of selenium (Se) on quality and oxidative stability of eggs during storage. A total of 81, (35-week old) laying hens of Lohmann LSL- More

An experiment was carried out to compare the effects of laying hen’s diet supplemented with inorganic and different organic sources of selenium (Se) on quality and oxidative stability of eggs during storage. A total of 81, (35-week old) laying hens of Lohmann LSL-White were assigned to cages in a completely randomized design with 9 groups of treatment and 3 replicates of 3 birds. Hens in each group were fed their corresponded diet included the basal diet supplemented with sodium selenite, Se-enriched yeast, Cytoplex-selenium and Selenomax at two different levels of 0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg, or 200 mg/kg vitamin E. To prevent brand judgment challenge, A, B and C letters were applied for different organic source of Se. After 56 days of feeding experimental diets, eggs were collected from the hens to analysis. Egg weight loss during storage at 4 ˚C was lower (P<0.05) in the group fed 0.3 mg of B source Se/kg of feed. Vitamin E and Se supplemented groups had lower malondialdehyde values than those from the non-supplemented (P<0.01). The C Source of organic Se resulted in lower malondialdehyde compared with the other sources of Se or control. The supplementation of Se in diet increased (P<0.01) yolk Se concentration, with the effect being more significant by C source of Se. Selenium and vitamin E supplementation decreased serum and yolk cholesterol content (P<0.01). The results demonstrate the better efficacy of the C source of organic Se to increase Se deposition in egg and improved egg quality compared with the other sources of Se. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

12 - Evaluation of Thyroid Hormones, Blood Gases, Body Antioxidant Status, the Activity of Blood Enzymes and Bone Characteristics in Broiler Chickens with Cold Induced Ascites
ر. عبدالکریمی م.ح. شهیر م. دانشیار

A total of 150 day old female chickens (Ross 308) were randomly allocated to 2 groups with 5 replicate and 15 chicks in each replicate to determine the effects of cold induced ascites on performance, antioxidant status, blood enzyme activities and bone metabolism. The t More

A total of 150 day old female chickens (Ross 308) were randomly allocated to 2 groups with 5 replicate and 15 chicks in each replicate to determine the effects of cold induced ascites on performance, antioxidant status, blood enzyme activities and bone metabolism. The two experimental treatments were: 1) chicks that reared under normal temperature (NT) and 2) chicks that reared under cold temperature (CT). The experiment was terminated at 42 day of chicken age. Feed intake was reduced significantly by ascites during the starter period. Weight gain of NT birds was higher than CT birds during the starter, grower, finisher and the whole period (P<0.05). Feed conversion ratio was greater for CT birds during the grower, finisher and the whole period (P<0.05). Total mortality was greater in CT birds than NT ones during the whole period (P<0.05). Cold-induced ascites increased the right ventricular, total ventricular and ventricular septum weights and right ventricular (RV)/total ventricular (TV) ratio at day 42 (P<0.05). Blood pO2, O2 saturation, pH and T4 level were lower and blood pCO2, T3 and calcium level was higher in CT birds than NT birds (P<0.05). The birds of both treatments had the same tibia length but femur length was shorter in CT birds (P<0.05). The diameter of both tibia and femur was smaller in CT birds (P<0.05). CT birds had a higher incidence of leg problems than NT ones during the whole period of the experimental phase (P<0.05). In conclusion, cold induced ascites reduced the performance, increased mortality and caused leg problems in broiler chickens. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

13 - Effects of Peppermint (Mentha piperita) and Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) on Ileum Microflora Population and Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens in Comparison with Antibiotic Growth Promoter
ب. دارابی‌قانع ف. میرزایی آقچه قشلاق ب. نوید شاد ع. مهدوی ا. زارعی س. ناهاشون

This research was conducted to compare the effects of two medicinal plants (peppermint and aloe vera) and antibiotic growth promoter on ileum microflora population and growth performance of broiler chickens. In this experiment, 375 one-day old male broiler chickens (Ros More

This research was conducted to compare the effects of two medicinal plants (peppermint and aloe vera) and antibiotic growth promoter on ileum microflora population and growth performance of broiler chickens. In this experiment, 375 one-day old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were used on a completely randomized design with 5 dietary treatments which were replicated 5 times with 15 birds per replicate. The experimental treatments were: 1) the control diet (basal diet with no additive); 2) basal diet + 10 g/kg dry peppermint leaves (DPL); 3) basal diet + 10 g/kg aloe vera gel (AVG); 4) basal diet + 5 g/kg DPL + 5 g/kg AVG and 5) basal diet + 10 ppm virginiamycin. Growth performance parameters were evaluated during the starter, grower and finisher periods and the populations of Lactobacillus and Escherichia coli bacteria was determined on the 42nd day of age. The maximum number of Lactobacillus bacteria was observed in the ileumof broilers fed diets containing DPL + AVG (P<0.05). The birds receiving the medicinal plant supplements had lower Escherichia coli population in comparison with control birds (P<0.05). The antibiotic fed broilers had higher feed intake, body weight gain, and dressing percentage than the control treatment and those fed medicinal herbs. The broilers fed medicinal herbs had higher feed intake, body weight gain and dressing percentage than the control (P<0.05). The birds fed mixture of DPL + AVG has better growth performance and dressing percentage. This study suggests that using a mixture of peppermint and aloe vera as a feed supplement of broiler chickens could be a potential alternative for antibiotic growth promoter. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

14 - Insoluble Fibers Affected the Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Serum Lipid of Broiler Chickens Fed Wheat-Based Diet
ک. شیرزادگان ح.ر. طاهری

The current study was conducted to survey the influences of addition of alfalfa meal (AM), rice bran (RB) and wood shaving (WS) in wheat-based diets [contain soluble non starch polysaccharides (NSP)] on performance carcass characteristic and serum lipids of broilers fro More

The current study was conducted to survey the influences of addition of alfalfa meal (AM), rice bran (RB) and wood shaving (WS) in wheat-based diets [contain soluble non starch polysaccharides (NSP)] on performance carcass characteristic and serum lipids of broilers from 11 to 42 d of age. Seven hundreds 10-d-old male Ross 308 chicks were placed into 35 pens and allocated to seven wheat-soybean meal-based dietary treatments which were a control (CT) diet (without any fiber source) and six fiber-included diets consisting of three sources of fiber (AM, RB and WS) and two levels of fiber inclusion (3 and 6%) in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. According to the results, the average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), corrected-FCR (C-FCR) and crop, proventriculus, gizzard (relative full weights) and heart, abdominal fat, liver, breast and thigh (relative weights) and serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) were affected by different types of fibers (P<0.05). The inclusion of insoluble fibers in wheat-based diet improved ADG and FCR in broilers, so that, the highest amount of ADG and the lowest amount of C-FCR was related to 3% WS contained diet (P<0.05). The highest amount of gizzard weight was depended to 6% WS contained diet (P<0.05) and the lowest breast and thigh weight were also related to RB diets (P<0.05), but the aforementioned treatments had no effect on the different intestine sections weight (P>0.05). In general, the inclusion of 3 to 6% insoluble fibers, except for 6% WS, in wheat-based diet improved growth performance in broiler chickens. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

15 - Effects of Mega Doses of Phytase on Growth Performance, Bone Status and Nutrient Excretion of Broilers Fed Diets Containing High Levels of Rice Bran
ک.جی.اس.سی. کاتوکروندا ان.اس.بی.ام. اتاپتو پی.و.یو. پررا

Phytate in poultry rations containing rice bran (RB) critically reduce poultry performance while increasing N and P excretion. The objective of this study was to determine whether the anti-nutritive problems associated with higher inclusions of rice bran in poultry rati More

Phytate in poultry rations containing rice bran (RB) critically reduce poultry performance while increasing N and P excretion. The objective of this study was to determine whether the anti-nutritive problems associated with higher inclusions of rice bran in poultry rations (up to 40%) could be mitigated with mega doses of phytase. Twenty days old male broiler chicks (n=180) in 60 floor pens were fed on 10 dietary combinations of a completely randomized factorial design (2×5). Two dietary rice bran (RB) levels (20 or 40%) and five levels (0, 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 FTU/kg diet) of phytase (Natuphos 500) were main factors. Cage-wise daily feed/water intakes and body weights on day 28, 35 and 42 were determined. Weekly and total weight gain and feed conversion ratio were determined. Cr2O3 mixed diets were fed from day 35 to determine illeal digestibility of crude protein, phosphorus (P) and dry matter. On day 42, following a 12-hour fast, two birds from each pen were humanely slaughtered to determine visceral organ weights. Fat free tibia ash contents and latency-to-lie test done on day 28, 35 and 42 were used as bone parameters. Growth performance parameters were not enhanced significantly due to mega doses of phytase. Negative effects like body weight reductions affected latency to lie time increments and further confirmed by insignificancy of tibia ash increments. Phytase significantly improved the crude protein digestibility. The optimum levels of phytase for the best crude protein digestibility with 20% and 40% dietary rice bran were 3000 and 4000 FTU/kg, respectively. Digestibility values of P and dry matter also affected. Supplementation of mega doses of phytase improved illeal crude protein digestibilities but not growth performances and bone status. Mega doses of phytase did not mitigate the adverse effects of 40% rice bran included broiler diets. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

16 - The Effect of Energy Sources and Levels on Performance and Breast Amino Acids Profile in Cobb 500 Broiler Chicks
س.م. اکبری ع.ا. صادقی م. امین افشار پ. شورنگ م. چمنی

The present study conducted to investigate the effect of energy sources and levels on performance and breast meat amino acids profile in Cobb 500 broiler chicks. A total of 600 1-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks with an average weight of 39 ± 0.50 g were randomly More

The present study conducted to investigate the effect of energy sources and levels on performance and breast meat amino acids profile in Cobb 500 broiler chicks. A total of 600 1-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks with an average weight of 39 ± 0.50 g were randomly divided into five treatments. Each treatment was further divided into four replicates. Chicks were fed a basal diet based on corn and energy level was same as Cobb 500 manual as control group, the basal diet with 3% lesser energy than control (T1), the basal diet with 6% lesser energy than control (T2), the basal diet based on corn and fat level according to Cobb 500 instruction manual (T3), the basal diet based on corn and fat with 3% upper energy (T4) for 42 days. Results showed that the best and the worst performance were for T4 and T2, respectively. Also, feed intake of chicks increased significantly in T4. Body weight gain was also significantly higher in the treated group with the basal diet based on corn and fat with 3% upper energy (T4). As result relevant although the lowest feed conversion ratio was for control and T3 on 14 and 28 days but also it was at the lowest on T3 on 42 days. The breast muscle function and amino acid profiles showed that there were significant effects between arginine (Arg), glutamic acid (Glu), proline (Pro), alanine (Ala), aspartic acid (Asp), serine (Ser), glycine (Gly), isoleucine (Ilo), lysine (Lys), valine (Val) and phenylalanine (Phy) amino acids (P≤0.01). The highest level of amino acids (g/g DM basis) was for Glu, Asp, Arg, Lys, Ser, Phe and Pro. In conclusion, it seems that inclusion of higher energy level than broiler nutritional requirements recommendation for Cobb 500 chicks could give better performance and affect the quantity and quality of their breast meat and its amino acids profile. In order to achieve higher weights, more energy is needed than the recommendation of Cobb 500, but to have better feed conversion ratio the recommended energy level is the best. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

17 - Effects of Chicory Powder and Butyric Acid Combination on Performance, Carcass Traits and some Blood Parameters in Broiler Chickens
م. فرامرززاده م. بهروزلک ف. صمدیان و. واحدی

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different levels of chicory root and stem powder (CRSP) and butyric acid (BA) combination on the performance, carcass traits, relative weight of internal organs and some blood parameters in broiler chickens. Two More

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different levels of chicory root and stem powder (CRSP) and butyric acid (BA) combination on the performance, carcass traits, relative weight of internal organs and some blood parameters in broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty one-day-old broilers (Ross 308) were used in a completely randomized design with four treatments with six replicates of 10 birds each. The treatments were: 1) basal diet without CRSP and BA (control group), 2) basal diet + 15 g/kg CRSP + 0.3% BA (CRSP15), 3) basal diet + 30 g/kg CRSP + 0.3% BA (CRSP30) and 4) basal diet + 45 g/kg CRSP + 0.3% BA (CRSP45). At day forty six, two birds per replicate (pen) were randomly selected and slaughtered for carcass traits and some blood parameter measurements. The results showed that body weight gain of birds fed CRSP45 diet was significantly (P<0.05) higher than those fed on the other treatment diets during starter (1-21 d), grower (22-46 d) and whole experimental period (1-46 d). The drumstick and breast yield as a percentage of live body weight were significantly (P<0.05) higher in birds fed CRSP45 diet compared with those fed the control diet. There were not significant effect (P>0.05) of dietary treatments on serum biochemical parameters and relative weights of abdominal organs excluding the liver. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

18 - Effect of Vegetable Oil Source and L-Carnitine Supplements on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Blood Biochemical Parameters of Japanese Quails (Coturnix japonica)
ع. عابدپور س.م.ع. جلالی ف. خیری

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of soybean, linseed and sunflower oil (various sources of fatty acids) with and without L-carnitine supplements (0 and 50 mg kg-1) on performance, blood biochemical parameters and carcass traits of Japanese quail. One hun More

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of soybean, linseed and sunflower oil (various sources of fatty acids) with and without L-carnitine supplements (0 and 50 mg kg-1) on performance, blood biochemical parameters and carcass traits of Japanese quail. One hundred and ninety-two of 7-day old female Japanese quail were randomly assigned to 6 dietary treatments with 4 replicates and fed in the duration of 28 days. A 3 × 2 factorial arrangement (three oil sources and two levels of L-carnitine) was used in a completely randomized design with 8 birds per cage. Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of birds were measured during the experiment. Moreover, 2 birds from each cage (replicate) were randomly selected at the end of the experiment and then the concentration of cholesterol, albumin and total protein of blood sera were measured. Results showed that BWG and FCR were affected by dietary treatments and BWG of quails significantly increased by the addition of L-carnitine to linseed oil treatment (P<0.05). Different types of vegetable oil and L-carnitine supplementation had no significant (P>0.05) effect on liver and gizzard of quails. Linseed and sunflower oil increased heart weight of quail. Addition of L-carnitine to diet, containing sunflower oil reduced the relative weight of liver and heart. Sunflower oil reduced the concentration of total protein and albumin in blood serum of birds. L-carnitine supplement increased the concentration of total protein and globulin in female blood serum. Data of the present experiment showed that source of dietary oil affected the performance of Japanese quail and also use of different plant oil sources with L-carnitine supplementation affected the blood biochemical parameter of female Japanese quail. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

19 - Genetic Analysis of Egg Quality Traits in Bovan Nera Black Laying Hen under Sparse Egg Production Periods
ا. سیلویا جوهن-جایا ا.آر. عبدالله سی. ساموئل نوکولو

The present research was designed to examine the genetic analysis of egg weight, egg yolk weight and egg albumen weight of Bovan Neva Black laying hens at 25, 51 and 72 weeks. For this purpose, thirty birds were selected from the layer flock in the Babcock University Te More

The present research was designed to examine the genetic analysis of egg weight, egg yolk weight and egg albumen weight of Bovan Neva Black laying hens at 25, 51 and 72 weeks. For this purpose, thirty birds were selected from the layer flock in the Babcock University Teaching and Research Farm. They were individually housed in separate labeled battery cage. A total of thirty eggs were collected daily from the birds continuously in five days of egg production, at each age of 25, 51 and 72 weeks. The total number of eggs collected at each age were 150. Data collected for egg weight, egg yolk weight and egg albumen weight were used to evaluate the descriptive statistics, influence of age and Pearson correlation coefficient on different age groups. The mean values of the traits revealed a consistent increase in egg weight 55.02-63.29 g, egg yolk weight 13.14-19.39 g and egg albumen weight 35.52-39.21 g by aging. A significant positive genetic correlation was obtained among traits with linear regression equations at different age groups. Restricted maximum likelihood (REML) of Wombat software was used to obtain the repeatability and heritability estimates. From the results, it was revealed that all the traits recorded high estimates of heritability and repeatability while egg weight is more heritable and repeatable than egg yolk weight and egg albumen weight indicating that fewer records would be required to adequately characterize the inherent production ability of each trait as laying age progressed. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

20 - Influence of Wet and Dry Season on Milk Composition of Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius) from Tunisia
اچ. حامد ا. ال فکی ا. گرگوری

This study investigated the effect of season (wet and dry) on milk composition of the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius). Milk samples representing the wet and dry seasons were analyzed for total solids (TS), fat (F), solids-non-fat (SNF), ash, crude protein (CP), ni More

This study investigated the effect of season (wet and dry) on milk composition of the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius). Milk samples representing the wet and dry seasons were analyzed for total solids (TS), fat (F), solids-non-fat (SNF), ash, crude protein (CP), nitrogen soluble at pH 4.6 (SN), mineral content (MC) and casein fraction (CnF). Camel milk had higher (P<0.05) fat content in the wet season. Crude protein, TS, SNF and SN contents (%) were also higher (P<0.01) during the wet season. Ash content was similar (P>0.05) in the two seasons. The concentrations of Mg, Na and K were affected by season while the concentrations of Ca and Cl were not. The results from the present study indicate that the increase of milk CnF observed in the wet season was not due to the increase in β-casein and α1-casein contents. Among caseins, the κ-casein and α2-casein fractions did not differ between the two seasons. Conversely, milk from summer camels showed higher contents of αs1-casein and β-casein. It was concluded that the effects of season on the chemical composition of camel milk may impact the processing characteristics of camel milk. Manuscript profile

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